Honoré Daumier was a French caricaturist, painter, and sculptor. In his lifetime he was known chiefly as a brilliant political and social satirist and draftsman, but since his death recognition of his qualities as a painter has grown.

Daumier's paintings consist of the documentation of contemporary life and manners in 19th century France, with blatantly satirical overtones. Another recurring theme in his works featured Don Quixote as a larger-than-life hero.